Miles Bridges Officially Declares For NBA, Signing With Agent

The Miles Bridges era at Michigan State is over after two seasons: The Spartans' star announced he is officially foregoing his final two years of college eligibility for the NBA.

"God couldn’t have placed me in a better place for these last two years,” Bridges said Wednesday on Twitter. “I want to thank Coach Izzo and the rest of the coaching staff for giving a skinny kid from Flint a chance to play at such a legendary program. I would like to thank the academic support staff for helping me out every day.

"I also want to thank Spartan Nation for welcoming me with open arms into their community and school. And last but not least, I would like to thank my teammates for the bond and memories that we will share for a lifetime.”

Bridges, 20, stunned the basketball world when he opted against entering the NBA draft after his freshman season, when he was projected as a lottery pick.

“Miles wanted to come back to school this year because he loved Michigan State, he loved his teammates and friends and he loved being part of this community,” MSU basketball coach Tom Izzo said in a statement. “I think I speak for all of Spartan Nation in thanking him for how he represented us and for all of the great things he helped us achieve. He’s given us everything we could ask for and so much more.

"Miles is a mature young man who has excelled on the court and has been an exemplary student. I think he’s ready to handle being a pro basketball player both on and off the court. More than anything, he conducted himself with the utmost class and humility. As his coach, it’s a thrill for me to see him getting the chance to live his dream and I look forward to following his career in the NBA.”

In two seasons at MSU, Bridges averaged 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists. This year the Flint native was a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection and was named a Second Team All-American by The Sporting News, the United States Basketball Writers Association, USA Today and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

Bridges is projected by many to be selected in the first 15 picks of the upcoming NBA draft.